HARRISBURG – Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) has introduced a bill that would help businesses closed by Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to shutter “non-essential” industries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The economic assistance would be similar to that provided by business interruption insurance, which does not typically cover governmental proclamations or pandemics.

“My legislation would create a program through which business owners can obtain assistance similar to the recourse offered by their insurance providers. I believe this will provide the necessary means to alleviate the impact of recent events without putting additional burdens on our business owners,” Mehaffie said.

Business interruption insurance is commonly underwritten into insurance policies to assist when something happens out of the business owner’s control. That could include a situation like a tree falling on the business’ roof.

When these types of actions cause physical damage to a building and stop business operations, business owners can file a claim to recoup lost income or the costs associated with relocating.

Because of the governor’s order to close non-essential businesses, the business owners have been left without recourse and are suffering the economic consequences. This is through no fault of their own, nor that of their insurance company.

Mehaffie said he hopes the legislation, House Bill 2386, receives expedited review and passage. It was referred to the House Commerce Committee on Monday upon introduction as a bill.